Curry has high hopes for Alabama women's basketball season

Friday

Oct 18, 2013 at 1:30 AMOct 18, 2013 at 1:30 AM

BIRMINGHAM | Expectations are not really the issue for the University of Alabama women's basketball team. The Crimson Tide, coming off a 13-18 season and bringing in a new head coach in Kristy Curry, were picked to finish 14th in the 14-team Southeastern Conference in the preseason poll of media members at the annual SEC Media Days.

By Cecil HurtSports Editor | The Tuscaloosa News

BIRMINGHAM | Expectations are not really the issue for the University of Alabama women's basketball team. The Crimson Tide, coming off a 13-18 season and bringing in a new head coach in Kristy Curry, were picked to finish 14th in the 14-team Southeastern Conference in the preseason poll of media members at the annual SEC Media Days.That does not seem to have dampened the spirits of Curry or her players as they prepare for next month's season opener. “I realize what everybody thinks about Alabama, but we are going to coach them up and I think we have a chance to be the most improved team in the conference,” Curry said. “They've been unbelievable so far. They are so eager to learn and get better every day.”The transition includes a roster with nine new faces, but Alabama does return its best player, Daisha Simmons. She led UA in scoring (12.5 points per game), assists (3.0 per game) and steals (66). Last season's No. 2 scorer, guard Shafontaye Myers, is also back. The Crimson Tide's top recruit also plays the point.“Carylla Middleton is a Top 100 player from Blue Springs, Mo., who we originally signed at Texas Tech,” Curry said. “She should have an immediate impact for us.”As far as a starting lineup, Curry said the staff is still in the process of determining that. “It's something that they are competing for every day,” Curry said. The new coach also continues to feel upbeat about the situation at UA, despite the toughness of the SEC.“When you look back across my career, we inherited a national championship at Purdue, we followed a legendary coach at Texas Tech,” Curry said.”I have been able to draw on that experience here. When I took the job at Alabama, one thing was made clear. The University of Alabama is about greatness athletically and greatness academically, and that is what I believe in.”